Aftergrowth
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Definition and Context:
The term "aftergrowth" refers to the secondary growth of crops that occurs after the initial harvest. In biblical times, this concept was significant in agricultural practices and had implications for the observance of religious laws, particularly those related to the Sabbath and the Sabbatical year.

Biblical References:
The concept of aftergrowth is most directly associated with the Sabbatical year, a time when the land was to lie fallow, and no sowing or reaping was to occur. Leviticus 25:5 states, "You are not to reap the aftergrowth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest." This commandment was part of the broader Sabbatical year laws, which were designed to provide rest for the land and to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God for provision.

Theological Significance:
The prohibition against harvesting aftergrowth during the Sabbatical year underscores the principle of trust in God's provision. By refraining from agricultural activities, the Israelites demonstrated their faith that God would provide for their needs even when they did not actively cultivate the land. This practice also served as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His role as the ultimate provider.

Cultural and Historical Background:
In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of society, and the cycles of planting and harvesting were central to daily life. The concept of aftergrowth would have been well understood by the agrarian society, as it represented the natural regrowth that occurred after the main harvest. The command to leave this aftergrowth untouched during the Sabbatical year was a radical departure from normal agricultural practices and required a significant level of faith and obedience.

Practical Implications:
The observance of the Sabbatical year, including the prohibition on harvesting aftergrowth, had practical implications for the community. It encouraged the Israelites to plan and store food in advance, fostering a sense of community reliance and cooperation. Additionally, it provided an opportunity for the land to recover and rejuvenate, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Spiritual Lessons:
The concept of aftergrowth and its associated laws teach important spiritual lessons about rest, reliance on God, and stewardship of the earth. By observing these laws, the Israelites were reminded of the importance of taking time to rest and reflect on God's provision and faithfulness. The aftergrowth served as a symbol of God's ongoing care and the abundance that comes from trusting in His timing and provision.

Related Concepts:
The idea of aftergrowth is related to other biblical principles such as the Sabbath rest, the Year of Jubilee, and the broader theme of divine provision. These concepts collectively emphasize the importance of rest, renewal, and reliance on God, which are central themes throughout Scripture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) A second growth or crop, or (metaphorically) development.
Strong's Hebrew
5599b. saphiach -- growth from spilled kernels
... 5599a, 5599b. saphiach. 5600 . growth from spilled kernels. Transliteration:
saphiach Short Definition: aftergrowth. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5599b.htm - 5k
Library

Recapitulation.
... of truth; and second in order, for it employs its strength against those who hold
false opinions, and false opinions are an aftergrowth from another sowing and ...
/.../the treatise on the resurrection of the dead/chapter xi recapitulation.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... Faith always justifies whenever it exists, and as soon as it is exercised; its result
follows immediately, and is not an aftergrowth needing months of delay. ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Thesaurus
Aftergrowth (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A second growth or crop, or (metaphorically)
development. Multi-Version Concordance Aftergrowth (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/aftergrowth.htm - 7k

Afternoon (9 Occurrences)

/a/afternoon.htm - 9k

After-birth (1 Occurrence)
After-birth. Afterbirth, After-birth. Aftergrowth . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Afterbirth, After-birth. Aftergrowth . Reference Bible.
/a/after-birth.htm - 6k

Resources
Aftergrowth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Aftergrowth (2 Occurrences)

Leviticus 25:5
What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and the grapes of your undressed vine you shall not gather. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land.
(See NAS)

Leviticus 25:11
a year of jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap its aftergrowth, nor gather the fruit of its undressed vines.
(DBY NAS)

Subtopics

Aftergrowth

Related Terms

Afternoon (9 Occurrences)

After-birth (1 Occurrence)

After-birth
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